Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury

Longevity Gene Enhances Brain Function

 Recent research showed that a longevity gene variant is probably responsible for enhanced memory and higher IQ. Scientists want to understand how the protein coded for by this gene enhances these brain functions. There is much excitement about this protein, which is found circulating in the blood. Once it is known how the protein works in the brain, it may be possible to design therapeutic drugs that mimic the action of the variant longevity protein. Lots of interest is for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, but such a drug might also help to restore memories or elevate IQ in some TBI and stroke survivors. (Full story)